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Ambassadors' Valentine Drive Succeeds

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   The Ambassadors' Valentine Care Package Drive successfully delivered 85 packages to two local children's homes on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

   Student Ambassadors from the University of Arkansas at Monticello received individual and organizational donations for care packages that were distributed to both children's homes in Monticello.

Photo courtesy of Media Services

With Love  ---  (from left) Admissions representative Brooke Rodgers and Ambassadors Kayla Rainwater of El Dorado, Brian Rauls of Bearden and drive coordinator Jennifer Mann of Hermitage stand with 85 boxes of school supplies, children's entertainment items, kitchen items and personal hygiene items that went to the Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home for Children and the Arkansas Baptist Home for Children in Monticello. The Ambassadors work with the Office of Admissions to recruit new students to the university and serve as hosts for on-campus events.

   According to drive coordinator Jennifer Mann, the idea of the care packages arose last semester when the public relations committee for the Ambassadors wanted to find ways to maintain their positive image with the campus and local communities.

   "Around middle January, I spoke with both of the local children's homes about whether they would accept the donations and what items they would recommend be donated," Mann said. "Both of the children's homes sounded very excited about the care packages and both were very appreciative."

   Some of the items received included anything from personal care items and snacks to cleaning, kitchen and household fare. The items were placed in individual boxes decorated for the holiday and delivered to the homes on Valentine’s Day.

   This is the first year the Ambassadors have undertaken this project and Mann was not able to comment on whether or not it will become an annual event for their organization.

   Bonnie Hicks, the activity coordinator and alternative school consultant for the Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home, said she would love to see this done every year for the children.

   Hicks said she was overwhelmed by the amount of packages delivered to the home and the kids were very excited. Hicks indicated that because of the generous amount of items in the packages, the home would be hosting a party for the children on Friday, Feb. 17 and distributing the overflow of packages from Valentine’s Day.

   "People always seem to remember the children at Christmas, but seldom throughout the rest of the year," Hicks said. "It's great to see them get this outside attention."

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